Amber’s green light

By Chloe Prince
THE new Nissan GT-R is setting the pace on the V8 supercar circuits, ensuring responsible driving, and behind its wheel is Amber Anderson.
An unlikely combination – a lawyer who also has a passion for driving V8 supercars – is what sets the local Nar Nar Goon girl apart.
Having taken control of the V8 safety car, this determined young woman is slowing down the male drivers and telling them to get behind her.
“They love seeing a woman there.
“I recently got to drive the new Nissan GT-R, a twin turbo, 500-horsepower vehicle and it was amazing that they let a woman do it,” she said.
Before she began cruising the circuits, Amber started out racing go-karts.
This then progressed into driving Porsches and has now led to her V8 obsession.
For Amber it’s all about “the speed and excitement of being in such a big pack of cars all trying to turn the corners at the same time”.
The Nissan GT-R was the official safety car for the first four rounds of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship series.
Trying to make her big break into the male-dominated world of professional V8 supercar driving, Amber has her goals in sight and is revving her engine and putting her foot down.
Not only does the new safety car get noticed, but it also helps Amber to make connections with the driving teams.
In order to accomplish her goals and get selected to race for a team Amber must prove that she is as capable as any male driver.
“For a team to be interested, you need to come up with a budget of about $500,000, significant driving experience, prove that you can drive a car well and quickly and not crash or damage the cars in any way,” she said.
“Most people are fascinated when I tell them what I do. Women and girls say ‘I can do that too’,” she said.